FOOTLIGHTS

By ROBERTA HERSHENSON

Published: July 6, 2003

Polishing the Paramount

With its 75th anniversary two years away, the Paramount Center for the Arts in Peekskill is preparing for a face-lift. A $250,000 grant from the Empire State Development Fund will pay for some painting and repair of interior walls and ceilings, as well as for new theater curtains. But the larger goal is to restore the glory of the 1930 building, said Jon Yanofsky, the Paramount's new executive director.

''This theater was built as a jewel, an elegant, masterful, gorgeous movie palace with a handpainted frieze on the ceiling, detailed plaster moldings and busts of Greek and Roman figures,'' he said. The center has plans, he said, to begin a capital campaign soon to finance a restoration, with the dollar goal still to be determined.

The Paramount, which became nonprofit in 1981, presents live performances of music, dance and theater as well as foreign and independent films. Mr. Yanofsky, who began his job June 2, said he would study ''what has worked here and what hasn't'' before making any changes. The center has a $420,000 annual budget and though it is not in the red, he said it is ''not at a point of strong fiscal solvency, either.'' Performers scheduled to appear later this year include Joan Baez on Oct. 10, Barbara Cook on Nov. 29 and the Trinity Church Choir and Rebel Baroque Orchestra on Dec. 13.

The new director, 34, had been managing director of Community Works, a Manhattan arts group. He graduated from White Plains High School in 1987, where he was the football team captain and his father, Saul Yanofsky, was superintendent of schools.His photography teacher, Steven Gordon, moved him toward art. ''He said, 'After this class you will never look at the world the same way again,''' Mr. Yanofsky said. ''That was true.''

Prize for Novelist

The Orange Prize for Fiction is a prestigious award for the best English-language novel written by a woman. For the second straight year a writer with Sarah Lawrence connections has won the $40,000 prize. Last month Valerie Martin, who teaches in the school's graduate writing program, beat out the favorites -- including Donna Tartt and Zadie Smith -- with ''Property,'' her novel about slavery in 19th-century Louisiana.

It was the first major prize for Ms. Martin, who lives in Millbrook in Dutchess County. She said the novel form was in good health. ''There are no end of things to do with it,'' she said. ''We won't see the death of the novel anytime soon.'' Ann Patchett, who graduated from Sarah College in 1985, won last year for ''Bel Canto.''

From Street to Stage

Holly Villaire, artistic director of Hamm & Clov Stage Company in Yonkers, found the Irish participants for the group's performance of ''Anam Cara,'' an original theater piece, by walking the streets. ''I'd walk into stores and ask people if they'd like to come,'' she said. ''I put up a sign saying 'talent wanted' in the Irish Community Center in Yonkers.''

Professional performers as well as amateurs from Brooklyn, the Bronx and Westchester were attracted to the project, which features a tapestry of stories, poetry and music about the immigrant experience.

''We hope to create an atmosphere so people are aware of their kinship in a journey through life,'' Ms. Villaire said. She said the show's title means ''soul's friend'' in Gaelic.

Performances are next Saturday and Sunday at 5 p.m. in the garden of Alder Manor in Yonkers. Admission is $15. Performers include Michael Sheahan, a professional singer-songwriter; Dermot Henry, a musician; Una McGillicuddy, a storyteller, and others.Information: (914)963-6222.

Walking Through History

Saint Paul's Church National Historic Site in Mount Vernon has a busy summer of free programs planned. Beginning this Wednesday and continuing each Wednesday through Aug. 27 there will be weekly costumed demonstrations concerning the American Revolution. Some topics include the Battle of Pell's Point; the Hessians; caring for the wounded during the Revolutionary War and songs of the American Revolution.

One of the most vivid historical activities, according to David Osborn, the site manager, will take place July 11 at 3 p.m. and continue every Friday through Oct. at 3. The event is a walk up the wooden staircase of the 225-year-old church tower to see the 1758 bronze bell. Walking tours and lectures will also take place on Tuesday afternoons. Some events are dependent on good weather. Information: (914)667-4116. ROBERTA HERSHENSON